70 comments:

2 and 3 are definitely my faves. i watched the video and thought meh the torso is still not very fitted but then magic! you do great work with skinny belts :) this was a super helpful post! thanks jean

Yes, Jean, the xs is way too big. I'm not very optimistic about my upcoming shipment. Are the sleeves on xxs too tight on you too? My favorite variation is definitely #2. Second favorite #3. I'm still not too much into tucked in cardi look, yet. :) I think this weatherwood color looks better on you than the gold one anyways. On another note, how did you take indoor pictures without having a shadow behind you? It's driving me crazy. I still haven't figured out the ideal recipe yet for indoor pictures. :(

My favorite is Variation #1. You're the first person I've seen to tuck cardigans into skirts and I think that's absolutely genius. So simple, yet unique and classy!

I was also going to order both the Weathered Wood and Gold in XXS but I took too much time deciding on filler items that the Gold XXS sold out for me too!

I am sending mine back because the arms are snug to the point that I can't comfortably wear a long-sleeved shirt underneath it (a must for me) and I'm weary about the delicate buttons on the ruffles. But you look so great in the variations that I just might reconsider, lol. By the way, I'm "RLLater" on Twitter.

The belted cardigan really suits you. In fact, I think I'm just going to cave and buy the cardigan in that great gold color. Can you tell me how the XS fits in the sleeves? Were they too long as well? They don't look too bad in the picture, but it's a little hard to tell.

I think all three variations are good and perfect for work. For variation 1, I'd add a belt over the skirt so it's not so plain. And for variation 3, I'd probably shorten the pearl strands so it doesn't clash with the belt. Just personal preference.

Ah yes...the "X" sweater trick...my fav. =)That's pretty much how the sweaters look on me too, but I love the colors, and they look nice 1/2 buttoned like you have it in variation #2, so I'm keeping them. The weathered wood really surprised me, and I think I like it more than the gold! Still have to take pics...driving up to LA totally messed up my photo taking schedule. =P

You're right. There wasn't anything special about this cardigan in the first picture. You made it look very attractive. I love all the variations but my favorite is # 2. I sure will try to recreate that look with my cardigans. Excellent post. I love it :)

I like how you styled the cardigan! I think you look terrific in all three variations. I like #2 the best, then #3, and last #1. #1 looks nice too but it's a little plain compared to the other two...it needs some accessory to jazz it up...hmm, maybe a chain belt.

I like all three ways of how you styled it (especially the third, I think...hard to choose a favorite). The xs is much too big on you...in fact, the xxs seems rather big on you too but you've successfully masked that fact through the clever ways you wore this.

I saw/picked up a few of the Gap cowl neck sweaters you reviewed a while back for $12ish ($19.99 and then additional 40% in stores) and got the larger sizes for my mom and then proceeded to show her your video. She is in awe of how pretty you are (I had to remind her that you have a very sweet bf...I have an older brother so I don't want to give her any ideas. :) )

Hi Jean, Variation 2 is definitely my favorite! I'm a little worried after seeing that cardi on you because I ordered it last night in the same color! Hopefully it will be a tad more fitted on me....fingers crossed ;)

I loved variation 1! I never thought of tucking in cardigans, will definitely try that someday in the future.I'm a new reader of about a few months, and I'm so glad I found your blog! I've been VERY slowly building my work wardrobe (like yours!) but haven't found ways to make it look "exciting" and interesting yet. I love your style, and it's definitely given me many ideas on how to dress for work! Thanks for your posts, and keep them coming!

I love the 3rd look. It might be the clever accessorizing though. I also like the first look because tucking the cardi in seems to hide the bagginess. If you styled the first look with the accessories of the 3rd, that might be my favorite look!

I like all 3 variations but #1 and 2 are my favorites! I got the same cardigans in the same colors but returned weathered wood because I was expecting more of a rusty red and mine looked brown. I wore my cardi over a shell but under a blazer to hide the loose torso (post to come!).

Aww that's too bad about the gold sweater selling out! Hate when something disappears while it's already in your cart! I really love the freshness of that color on you! Good work with this cardi though! I really like the vibrant pop of the pearls and belt in version #3 up there! They definitely brighten up the rest of the outfit.

OMG, I need to stop procrastinating on getting my exotic skirt tailored. It looks so freaking good on you!!

Ohhh, I can see what everyone means by "okay but not awesome" on the fit. Oh well, that's how I've come to accept all cardis to be on me and I do like the contrast of the ruffle on the weathered wood, so hopefully it looks as nice in person too!

My J.Crew shipment finally came too! I agree with everyone about the fit, it's surprising how tight the sleeve cuffs are. I loved the gold color, probably because I've never tried anything in mustard yellow on before and was surprised at how much I like it on me. For $21, I'd definitely keep at least one or two, but not sure which colors yet.

My favorite is #2, probably because I think the accessories were juust right, but I'd probably wear the other variations too :)

I like options 2 and 3....I agree, that gold cardi definitley looks too big. Even though you weren't thrilled with the fit of the cardi, I think you still managed to pull it off and look great styling the weathered wood cardi! I own a similar cardi from there last year, I actually wore it the other day here: levell333.blogspot.com/2010/12/its-friday-before-christmas.html

I like all three variations - it is really hard to pick one! Each has its own charms.

I like #1 for its chic simplicity (I envision hair in a chignon and some pretty dangling earrings). #3 elongates you in a way that #1 and #2 don't. (Although #1 and #2 would accomplish this if the sweater was grey). #2 looks like the most comfortable for work (don't have to worry about bumps from tucking it in).

I didn't think the XXS small looked too big on you but I generally prefer a looser fit for my cardigans. I agree with you that, to be paired with a pencil skirt and dresses, they look better fitted, but fitted, high quality ones are So.Hard.To.Find.

I think J crew needs new petite fit models or at least a range. Who do they have who has stick thin arms but a thicker torso? Wait a minute - maybe their petite fit model is PREGNANT.

I am due in March (a boy!). If you ever find yourself in the North End, shoot me a line. I think I should start a blog called "Plight of the Pregnant Petite." I already have two jobs and will soon have a third (mom!) - otherwise I would!!! Maternity clothes are Le Suck anyway and make me look like a knocked-up orphan. Necklines are too low, shoulders to wide, length is too long - yadayadayada. The only stuff that fits is $$$$$$ - and who wants to waste $$ on stuff you can only wear for a few months and when you don't "know" what size you will be. I couldn't even stomach the idea of paying $40 for an Old Navy coat because I knew I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole aftet Jr. arrives. Wish I could just wear a burka and be done with it.

Hey Jean - I am constantly amazed as to how you purchase things online and they look great on you! I guess it's all about really knowing your size (which is probably the smallest available in most stores), what suits you best, and not being fooled by how crazygood it looks on the model. I just have had horrible luck for the most part. ;_;

As for the J.Crew cardigan - I am surprised by how much I love the tucked-in look! Fab! Also loving the skinny belt.

Total BOO to things being sold out in your cart as you are purchasing. I have been a victim as well. -_-

my favorite look is definitely #2!! i love the X-shape and find it that it's definitely the most figure flattering. the color of both cardigans is beautiful but the XS does look way too big on you. i get my order in on Monday and am anxious to see how it fits on me too -- hopefully the arms won't be too tight!

hi! ive been a follower of your blog for a while and i love seeing your classic style :)i was interested in the xs in the gold but its sold out online.. if you didnt send it back, wold you be willing to sell it?if so, let me know please at chungy3 at gmail dot com

I like all three looks. Gorgeous as always. It could look more edgy with a belt for No.1. Oh, you look so much better with weathered wood than gold I think. I'm glad I chose the same color. Can't wait for my shipment. :)

No mention about a JCREW classic ? Jackie cardigan and shell deserve some spot lights too. The twin set is a JCrew stable and a whole set is on sale for a little under $50.00 now. JCrew had updated the cardigan with a shorter body length and 3/4 sleeves. The fit (xxs) is TTS without overly form fitting. 5 ft. barefoot, small bone and weight 98 to 100 lbs.

Variations #2 and #3 are my favorite although #1 is really eye catching as well :) It's nice to see all the accessories in 3 to make it flirty and whimsical :) It's like taking a whole new step to cardi-wear! :) The belted x-shape is prim and proper :) Perfect for work in the morning where you can easily transform to #3 after work :D

I have a question for you: you are modeling all the work clothes with beautful pumps, but how do you wear pumps to work in cold Boston winter? do you wear boots to work and change aonce inside at work? do you your wear boots at work? or do you walk outside with pumps?

That color cardigan doesn't match you. :/ I think you look best in lighter warm colors like purple,pinks,and blues. That orangey color just washes out your face. But that's just my opinion. You always know how to work your pieces of clothing together. :) You give me tips to dress up my skirts with tops.

@Vicky That's strange...it has to be where you're standing relative to the sun. The sun does not pour in through my windows so there are no shadows.

@R Hi..is this R or RL? Sorry I was confused : ) And ah, yes it would be very hard to wear a long sleeve top under this cardi. I never do tho...always sleeveless shells. I'm sorry it didn't work out!

@Yvette Hi Yvette! Sorry for my late response but yes the sleeves of the XS were a little longer than the XXS (I laid them on top of one another to compare), but you can scrunch it up easily because the sleeves are so fitted/slim, it will stay up.

@Stylepint Great tips Jess...I agree with the belt added for #1. I had it there but wanted to save the belt tip for #2 and #2 to not be too redundant...lol! I'll have to be more keen about where the long pearls end. I see what you mean : )

@AubreyOhDang! Jess/stylepint suggested that too...I definitely agree a belt spices it up but I wanted to save that tip for #2 and #3 lol. So glad you got the puncher. I wasn't sure wehther you did or not so I punched your j.crew belt for you...hope that's ok!

@samanthaloves Thank you Samantha! It really depends on the cardigan length too..easy to be come overwhelmed by longer cardis or stumped by shorter cardis.

@PetiteXXS Can't wait to see them on you...the Gold wasn't exactly like mustard yellow...if you like the GOld you must continue looking for a true mustard yellow cardi...my favorite!

@Annapurna Enjoyed your commentary as always. You should have started that blog earlier...come March-April you will be back in the grind of non-pregnant clothes. Have you tried F21 maternity online? I know it sounds awful but it seems like a nice economical option for the latter months of pregnancy.

@yuri chung Hi Yuri! I'm very sorry but the XS in gold is gone...maybe one of the other petite bloggers may be selling it!

@Ping Lol! The secret is low-quality videos uploaded on to Youtube. On my computer the hair does not look silky...after it is pixelated from being uploaded onto YT there are suddenly new dimensions of shine.

@Cat at UW Sure did...I think a skinny-med might be the winner. I added on a wide belt and it looked a little too segmented...like top, middle, and bottom.

@Anonymous Hi there! I reviewed the jackie cardigan a while back in regular XS (I can see how the XXS would be a perfect fit on tiny petites) and it was small. It's just a bit plain...I'm hunting for pieces that have more punch but are still semi classic, like this ruffle cardi. I wear plain skirts and plain pants, and sadly don't have too many print/patterned tops, so another plain Jackie cardigan would send it over the top to plain-dome.

@Anonymous Hi there! Apparently this depends on what city/town you live in, but in NYC and Boston it's quite common for women to commute in boots and flats, then change into pumps which are left at work. If it's snowing/raining I wear wear black rainboots (from Dav, frequently found on sample sale sites). If it's just plain cold I'll wear uggs, or if it's normal weather I'll wear tory burch flats (which I find at the end of seasons on sale) for commuting. All the women I work with do the same, but apparently in non-city places it's quite unusual to commute in certain shoes then change into nicer ones later. Hope this helps!

@*ms.angela89* Ah I can see your point...I'm not too shrewd on finding colors that match my skintone lol : ) Hopefully this will look a little better with some summer glow! I had to stay out of the sun for about one year and it was painful to do...

I bought this cardigan in weathered wood as well and wasn't really impressed with it. Unfortunately, it was final sale + I was stuck with it (I considered giving it to my mom!) but now I think I'll keep it!

I tried #1 this morning and it looks great! I'm just as curvy as I am petite & I think this is a good look/fit for my frame. #3 also looks like a classic look. Thanks!! :)

So well done! I recently discovered your blog and have had a couple of Ah-ha! moments already! I am very very particular about the fit of my clothes, for the same reasons that you are, and I was so thrilled to learn a couple of your tricks. Thanks so much!